Is 2024 a new game

[Darth ŠČ!]

I was just wondering if MSFS2024 is the current game getting a free update or will it be a new game to buy, different from the current one? Because logic tells me it will be a free update and a rebrand for marketing purposes.

[Narf]

Google broken again? It's a new game.
FAQ: https://www.flightsimulator.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-2024-faq/

[Darth ŠČ!]

Thanks. Not very logical to me, but it is what it is.

[Rever]

What isn't logical? Games have new versions all the time like this. I would recommend to wait and see more details before guessing what will be in the new version.

[Rookie-31st]

If you look at the history of the title, it was normal to see new games released every 2-4 years up until FSX when the gap increased and the game wasn't being developed for some period. It was surviving thanks to modders. MSFS2020 revived the series, and getting back to a new release every 4 years wouldn't be really bad if you want to see the title continuously improving. And I'm saying this a person who expected to use MSFS2020 for at least 6-8 years, not 4. But I'm fine with the new release in 2024 especially since all my marketplace purchases are expected to work there. All 1 of them. One, yes. Not a typo. I was planning to buy at least two more airplanes this year but put this on hold after the 2024 announcement. I will revisit my decision when I see what the new game has to offer.

[Darth ŠČ!]

I will wait for 2024 version then. The problem with this game is that it isn't a live service game, it's a buy once to own. But at the same time it's very online server dependent. I did not buy the current version but I really hope the current one continues to fully function.

[shadowgravy]

I doubt MSFS 2020 will cease to work when MSFS 2024 is released; but if that's how Asobo decides to roll then I'm out and back to P3D v5.

[Darth ŠČ!]

People who have MSFS2020 please tell me how does the game function without a server? AFAIK there is an option to play completely offline, right? How is the experience in such case? I am not planning to play offline. I understand the game relies on world data streaming. I am merely interested to know what would the experience be like if servers some day stop working.

[Rookie-31st]

Without online data, the ground is similar to what FSX or XPlane have. If you fly airliners, it could be fine. For GA piloting, it could be a deal-breaker

[lawnmower501]

Looks much worse than my FSX which has almost complete world photoscenery but OEM autogen buildings in most places. Almost cartoonish. XP-11 looked even worse out of the box without Ortho or upgrades and I gave up on that the next day unfortunately. With the huge install size MSFS should at least have offline photoscenery and AI but it don't.

But the FPS are excellent :D

[Rever]

I don't think Microsoft cares about offline capabilities. They see it as an online gaming type product.

We all have to face the fact that we are just renting the ability to play MSFS. Once they cut off the servers, it won't be worth playing.

Their are a lot of positives that come with online gaming as well. MSFS has moved flight sims to a different level graphically. Playing this properly just isn't possible without online gaming.

I personally don't know if I want them spending too much effort on some horrible offline mode. I would just go play X-Plane 14 at that time.

[Manwith Noname]

Originally posted by DarthChillash:

I am merely interested to know what would the experience be like if servers some day stop working.

If they turn off the authentication servers you will likely not be able to load the game eventually.

This is an example of the difference in the world with and without online data.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3120043778

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3120043528

[Darth ŠČ!]

Your screenshots are set to private, I believe.

[Manwith Noname]

Doh!

Fixed.

[lawnmower501]

I would like that as well but doubt it will happen. There have been many versions of MS flight sim released since the 1980s every couple of years. Some not so good. Pretty weird that it's already been three or four years (much of that spent downloading and tweaking:/ lol)

All the addons should transfer over to the 2024 ver so they say. Hopefully.

I hope they fix manual cache for those with storage but slower internet speed.
Custom tailored options would be welcome. Plus simple information. idk.
Streaming an entire city in hi-def every time a user flies over it does not make any sense.
The servers have been better recently.

[Darth ŠČ!]

Originally posted by Manwith Noname:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3120043778

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3120043528

Huh! Honestly the second one looks like a video game (which is not bad at all from this altitude) while the first one looks like IRL photo.